RoK ready to help Vietnam with environmental protection: official

The 14th environment ministers’ meeting between Vietnam and the RoK takes place in Seoul on December 20 (Photo: VNA)

Seoul (VNA) – The Republic of Korea (RoK) is
ready to assist Vietnam in building the capacity of protecting the environment
and responding to climate change, and in making relevant laws and regulations.

RoK Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae made the statement
at the 14th environment ministers’ meeting between Vietnam and the RoK, which
took place in Seoul on December 20 to review bilateral cooperation and discuss
partnership for the time ahead.

Addressing the function, Vietnamese Minister of
Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha appreciated the RoK Ministry of
Environment’s cooperation with and assistance for Vietnam through training
programmes, expert exchanges, support projects and technology transfer.

That has helped the country develop human
resources and improve its capacity in environmental protection, water resources
management and hydro-meteorological forecasting, he noted.

The minister asked the RoK side to continue
prioritising support for manpower training in natural resources and
environmental protection since human is the first factor in every project.

Ha suggested the two countries’ universities
strengthen links through direct or distance training. He also asked the RoK
side to keep sending experts to advise Vietnam on amendments to waste treatment
regulations and environmental standards.

Minister Cho shared the view that the RoK is
carrying out a law on resource circulation, and it can help Vietnam with
recycling waste and wastewater.

The country is experienced in the management of
waste and wastewater from industrial zones, and it is also willing to assist
Vietnam in this regard, he said.

The official pledged support in making plans on
water resources management and biodiversity protection, adding that many RoK
businesses now want to invest in Vietnam’s renewable energy sector.

He agreed that his ministry will make stronger
efforts to turn partnership in natural resources and environment into one of
the leading fields of the countries’ cooperation. –VNA